I’ve lived long enough to learn that in life, it’s not the destination that matters most, but the journey itself. Some of those lessons have been painful and have crushed me at the heart-level. I’ve had plenty of days when I cried out, “Really, Lord? What’s up with this?” I had to redefine my own perspectives only to realize that God had a definition that was beyond my comprehension..
His definitions helped me love people in the hardest moments and despite the hurt. Each heartache brought the destination that much closer, preparing me for it along the way. Mom always said the journey was the best part, and I would reply, “Mom, you are nuts. It’s about the destination!” She would always reply the same way: “You’ll see, Lisa. You’ll see.”
Mom knew there would be some tough days ahead, including some dark valleys that I would have to journey through. She would tell me she hated the thought of leaving, but then smile and say, “But Lisa, you will learn to love what you become through the journey! God has your back, and the miracles you will see along the way will knock your socks off!” Mom was right…again.
This whole “journey/destination” reminds me of when I used to run. I loved the running part, but it was the preparation, the 
people I met along the way, and the training that made crossing the finish line such a sweet moment. Before I knew it, one destination led to another – a 5k, then a 10k, then a half-marathon with all those loyal friends crossing the finish line with me. And I wasn’t even supposed to be able to run, according to my doctors. That makes it even more miraculous!
Life really is like a race, with all of us running toward our own finish line. Sometimes the training is the hardest part, but the most necessary. Every day, I talk to people who are on the tough leg of the journey and feeling crushed by their circumstance, friends, family, health issues. And I have seen how a small seed of love and hope can help those who are hurting. I have been on the receiving end of that love and I’ve felt how it heals. This motivates me to give this kind of love and hope to others, which is 
why I’m so passionate about Lisa Bain Ministries. Often, it’s the smallest acts of kindness that have the deepest impact, changing hearts and lives of both the giver and the recipient. This giving and receiving helped Mom and me through the toughest journey of our lives.
I often have more difficult days than good ones. When I look for lessons and assist others during tough times, the journey is easier, and the destination is clearer. Genuine friendships emerge and those running shoes will make it through the finish line to victory. All that you have gone through will make the journey worth it. And that’s what it’s all about. Journey on, friends!